Digitalisation is rapidly transforming how people live and work around the world. From online banking to remote work and AI-powered tools, new technology is now a key part of daily life.

As technology continues to evolve, and digitalisation plays an even bigger role in shaping the future, Year 8 students at Kingsmeadow Community School have taken on the digital challenge to develop their ideas to positively transform Gateshead to drive economic growth and improve quality of life of its residents and visitors.

As one of only 17 schools in the country, Kingsmeadow Community School secured the experts from the Ahead Partnership and Netcompany to visit the school with their Smart Cities Challenge, an initiative that tasks Year 8 students with designing future-focused, tech-enabled urban spaces to tackle urban challenges.

In teams the students produced a fantastic range of tech-savvy plans to the experts, and the winning team has been selected to move on to represent the North East at the national Smart Cities Challenge event later this year.

Mr Barrett, Headteacher said:

“We were so excited to be chosen as one of only a few schools across the country to take part in the tech and digital challenge.

“It is a wonderful opportunity that our year 8 students grabbed with both hands. They have done the school proud with their efforts on the Smart City Challenge.”